The return of Nathan Ake could be a sign that Chelsea can look to their own rather than having to look elsewhere.

Antonio Conte brought the Bournemouth loanee back to Stamford Bridge as cover at both left-back and in the centre of defence for the end of the season.

But is his return just a matter of needs must, or does it give those out on loan hope for their shot at Stamford Bridge?

Ake has worked hard to get his chance at his parent club and could well get some game time with Marcos Alonso’s fitness in question.

Ake's return to Chelsea hints at a change of tact

With rumours surfacing of Fernando Llorente joining the Blues, some fans have called for Tammy Abraham to return as Ake did.

What he is currently doing at Championship side Bristol City cannot be overlooked, currently sitting third of the top scorers list in the division.

The 19-year-old has netted 14 times in the league but cannot be brought back by the Blues as cover for Diego Costa as there is no recall clause in his contract. But if he continues on his current goalscoring form, Conte would be foolish to ignore him come the 2017/18 season.

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Abdul Baba Rahman

Baba Rahman failed to impress new boss Conte during pre-season, being sent out on loan to Schalke, and didn’t really have a great spell with the Blues.

However, the defender is enjoying a decent campaign in Germany with 20 appearances this season and boss Markus Weinzierl admitted the player was “full of confidence”.

Nathan

Brazilian Nathan signed from Atlético Paranaense in 2015, however is in his second loan season at Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem. Only 20, Nathan has a great amount of potential and a good second half of the campaign in Eredivisie could see him push for a squad place this summer.

Matt Miazga

USA youngster Matt Miazga became big news across the pond when he made the switch to the Blues from New York Red Bulls. The tall defender has made more regular appearances over the last few months on loan at Vitesse and could be used to fill a hole if Conte is short at centre-back.

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Which other Chelsea loanee could make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season?